EXPLORERS VOYGAGE - TOUR HIGHLIGHTS WWW.S2TRAVEL.COM.AU - Sicklebill Safaris
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EXPLORERS
VOYGAGE
OCTOBER 2019
TOUR
HIGHLIGHTS
A LEGENDARY SEA VOYAGE TO ALL FOUR ISLANDS
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, HENDERSON ISLAND
STARGAZING IN THE NEW INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY SANCTUARY
EXPLORING THE 3RD LARGEST MARINE RESERVE ON EARTH
FIRSTHAND INSIGHT INTO LIVING HISTORY AND CULTURE
BIRDING AND WILDLIFE EXPERT TOUR LEADER, ANDY SCHOFIELD, RSBP
WWW.S2TRAVEL.COM.AU
OCTOBER 2019 PITCAIRN ISLANDS
EXPLORERS VOYAGE
We look forward to welcoming you to our islands...
Sicklebill Safaris and Pitcairn Islands Tourism
are pleased to present a small group
Explorers Voyage to Oeno, Pitcairn, Ducie,
and Henderson Island this October.
Lying in the central South Pacific, the islands
of Henderson, Ducie and Oeno support
remarkably pristine habitats and are rarely
visited by non-residents of Pitcairn.
Pitcairn
Islands
This will be the first ever multi-island voyage Group
of its kind--visiting all four of the islands in
the Pitcairn Islands Group!
.
The 18-night/19-day tour includes 11 days cruising around the remote
Pitcairn Islands, the world’s 3rd largest marine reserve, visiting UNESCO
World Heritage listed Henderson Island, seldom visited Oeno and Ducie
Island, and a 4 day stay on Pitcairn Island, home of the descendants of
the HMAV Bounty mutineers since 1790.
OCTOBER 2019 PITCAIRN ISLANDS
EXPLORERS VOYAGE
About the Pitcairn Islands Group
The Pitcairn Islands Group forms the UK’s only Overseas Territory in the vast Pacific Ocean. With a
total population of 50 residents and located near the centre of the planet’s largest ocean, the
isolation of the Pitcairn Islands is truly staggering. The island group lies around 2,200 km from
Tahiti, 2,100 km from Easter Island, and over 5,000 km (approximately the distance from London
to New York) away from both New Zealand and South America.
© 2016 The Pew Charitable Trusts
3
OCTOBER 2019 EXPLORERS VOYAGE
TOUR PRICING & INCLUSIONS
Tour Dates: Tour Inclusions:
(weather and sea conditions allowing):
Commences in Transfers, welcome and 4 nights accommodation in a
Papeete, French Garden Studio, Manava Suite Resort in Papeete, Tahiti
Polynesia on Saturday, including breakfast (3 nights pre tour and 1 night post
tour)
the 19th of October.
A visit to James Norman Hall Museum & half day Tahiti
tour.
Concludes in Papeete, Air Tahiti return flights Papeete to Mangareva to board
French Polynesia on the MV Bravo Supporter
Twin share cabin aboard the MV Bravo Supporter
Wednesday, (Mangareva / Pitcairn Islands return) All meals provided
the 6th of November. (11 days onboard)
4 days on Pitcairn Island, home to the descendants for
Tour Price: HMAV Bounty mutineers - all transfers, meals and land
based accommodation
From NZD $12,995* 'Dine with the entire country' at a Pitcairn Island
Community Dinner
Star Gazing at the world's next "International Dark Sky
Sanctuary"
2 Pitcairn Island Tours, an apiary visits to sample the
world’s purest honey, guided walks and a visit to the
Pitcairn Island Museum
A landed visit to World Heritage Site. Henderson Island
A landed visit to Oeno Island and Ducie Island
Local Pitcairn island guide for outer islands visits
Expert tour leader, Andy Schofield from the Royal
Society of the Protection of Birds
OCTOBER 2019 PITCAIRN ISLANDS
TOUR PRICING & INCLUSIONS
Tour pricing & inclusions (cont.)
* Single supplement applies only to land-based accommodation in Papeete, French
Polynesia.
A 10/% non-refundable deposit will be required at time of booking.
Tour dates are timed to connect with international flights between Papeete and key
international gateways. Please consult your travel advisor about flights to and from
Papeete, Tahiti.
Prices are expressed in New Zealand dollars on a per person (pp) basis and based on
minimum 6 passengers on tour. Please note single supplement applies to Tahiti and
Pitcairn accommodation. Only twin share cabins available on Bravo Supporter voyages.
Surcharges apply for room upgrade in Tahiti and some homestay accommodation on
Pitcairn. Please consult your travel advisor for details.
Inclusions are subject to change. In the case that less than 6 passengers book the tour we
reserve the right to cancel the tour and/or amend inclusions and pricing. For items that are
not included in the tour, please refer to tour terms and conditions section in this brochure.
5
TOP 15 THINGS TO DO ON PITCAIRN 1. GET TO KNOW THE REAL DESCENDANTS OF THE BOUNTY MUTINEERS 2. DINE WITH THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IN ONE SITTING (POPULATION: 50) 3. GO WHALE-WATCHING IN ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST MARINE RESERVES 4. FEED MS. T, THE ISLAND'S GALAPAGOS TORTOISE 5. TASTE SOME OF THE PUREST HONEY ON EARTH (SERIOUSLY, OUR BEES ARE TOPS!) 6. STARGAZE IN THE WORLD'S NEXT 'INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY SANCTUARY' 7. SWIM AT THE EDGE OF THE EARTH IN ST. PAUL’S POOL 8. SHOP AUTHENTIC PITCAIRN CURIO AND CRAFTS 9. VISIT THE SDA CHURCH & GRAVE OF BOUNTY MUTINEER, JOHN ADAMS 10. VISIT PITCAIRNERS' HOLIDAY DESTINATION: OENO ISLAND 11. TAKE A QUAD BIKE TOUR & STOP FOR A GAME OF TENNIS 12. SPOT ENDEMIC BIRDS AT UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, HENDERSON ISLAND 13. VIEW ANCIENT POLYNESIAN PETROGLYPHS CARVED INTO THE CLIFFS OF DOWN ROPE 14 VISIT THE PITCAIRN ISLAND MUSEUM AND SEE THE BOUNTY BIBLE 15. SNORKEL THE WRECK OF THE FAMED ACADIA ON DUCIE ISLAND
2019 PITCAIRN ISLANDS
MV BRAVO SUPPORTER
About The MV Bravo Supporter
The Government of Pitcairn Islands’ chartered freighter, the MV Bravo Supporter, is
currently being refurbished for 2019. When complete it will provide travelers with all they
need for a reliable, safe and comfortable voyage to Pitcairn and her other islands.
Fully air conditioned and attractively appointed the Bravo Supporter accommodates up to
12 passengers in 6 spacious twin share cabins, each with ample storage, a private ensuite
and separate office/lounge area. Daily meals will be provided in the shared dining area,
where guests will dine with their fellow passengers. The MV Bravo Supporter also boasts a
comfortable lounge for socializing and relaxing with fellow passengers.
Visitor berths are limited to 12 per voyage. If the vessel is fully booked, we cannot
guarantee that an individual traveller will have a cabin to themselves. If you are prone to
travel/sea sickness please ensure you have appropriate medication with you so as to make
your voyage as comfortable as possible.
* Please note: These images are artists impressions and are subject to change as the
refurbishment continues.
That Bravo Supporter, is a working freighter not a luxury cruise
ship – her amenities are fresh, bright and clean and practically
orientated and the crew are friendly and helpful.
7
2019 PITCAIRN ISLANDS
ACCOMODATIONS
Accommodation on Pitcairn
Pitcairn Island currently has 12 registered accommodation providers offering guests a
range of home stay and private accommodation. Your tour includes the full Pitcairn home
stay experience- sharing meals and amenities in the home of a local family.
Accommodation varies from a room within a home to semi-private chalet, or studio unit. A
full list is available on the Pitcairn Islands Tourism website here.
You may request your preferred accommodation at time of booking and we will endeavor
to allocate. Otherwise we shall happily allocate on your behalf. Please note some
accommodation will incur a surcharge and kindly consult your travel advisor for more
information. Whatever your choice you can rest assured the hosts will take good care of
you and your stay will be a most memorable holiday experience.
See our 'Pitcairn In The Press' section for Travel + Leisure's recent
article about our island home stays entitled "What It's Like to Stay
at the Most Remote Airbnb in the World"
8
2019 EXPLORERS VOYAGE
ABOUT PITCAIRN ISLAND
International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Pitcairn Island
With 51 inhabitants, Pitcairn Island is one of the smallest and most
remote territories on Earth. Accessible only by cargo ship, Pitcairn is
a must for anyone seeking to go where few have ever ventured.
Pitcairn has a colorful history.
In 1789 Fletcher Christian led a mutiny on the English vessel, HMAV
Bounty and, several months later, together with 8 fellow mutineers
and 19 Polynesians, sailed the ship to Pitcairn Island, one of the most
remote and isolated islands in the world. Today, almost all of the 50
or so inhabitants of Pitcairn are direct descendants of the Bounty
mutineers and their Polynesian consorts.
A trip to Pitcairn includes stargazing at one of the world's
'International Dark Sky Sanctuaries', an unforgettable sea voyage,
incredible hospitality, lasting friendships and firsthand insight into
the living history and culture of the people of Pitcairn-- the direct
descendants of the HMAV Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian
consorts.
Today, almost all of the 50 or so inhabitants of Pitcairn are direct
descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian consorts.
2019 EXPLORERS VOYAGE
ABOUT HENDERSON ISLAND
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Henderson Island
Henderson Island was declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1988 as it is one of the world’s least disturbed
raised coral islands. Its ecology has remained virtually
intact, despite extensive early Polynesian occupation.
The island rises 30 meters (90 feet) above sea level and
sustains a unique assemblage of plant and animal species
including 73 plant species, of which 9 are found no-where
else in the world. It also boast 4 land birds unique to
Henderson alone; a fruit pigeon, a small parrot, a warbler,
and a flightless rail. The island is also a vital haven for
nesting seabirds.
Henderson Island’s geology, combining indicators of sea
level change and corals dated back to at least 630,000
years ago, provides a unique opportunity for documenting
climate change and therefore testing possible drivers of
climatic cycles.
Interesting Tidbit: In 1820, a sperm whale rammed and sank a large
whale ship—the report of which inspired Herman Melville to write
Moby Dick. That same crew eventually abandoned ship and sought
refuge at none other than Henderson Island!2019 EXPLORERS VOYAGE
ABOUT OENO ISLAND
Pitcairners' Holiday Locale, Oeno Island
Oeno is a low-lying atoll island located about 120km North-
West of Pitcairn. Although first discovered by Captain
Henderson of "Hercules", it takes its name from an American
Whaler, which sighted the Island in 1824.
Oeno is a beautiful island untouched by development, and
surrounded by white sandy beaches. The Island is home to a
number of birds such as the Murphy's Petrel, Sooty Tern,
Brown Noddy, and other species.
Oeno was once a retreat for Pitcairners for generations. They
would make the trip during the summer months to enjoy
the white sandy beaches that are lacking on Pitcairn.
Leaving Pitcairn in the evening they board the Longboats
and make the overnight trip to Oeno, arriving early the
following morning to make their way through the breakers
and into the lagoon.
Did You Know...Oeno has been designated as an Important
Bird Area by Birdlife International, as it is home one of the
largest colonies Murphy's Petrels in the world!
112019 EXPLORERS VOYAGE
ABOUT DUCIE ISLAND
Reef-Ringed Atoll, Ducie Island
The history of Ducie is an interesting one
indeed. In 1791, Captain Edwards, of HMS
Pandora, on his mission to find the "Bounty"
mutineers, sighted Ducie Island; but not
Pitcairn, which lay only 479km to the west.
In 1881, the mail ship Acadia ran aground on
Ducie Island when the lookout mistook the
island for a cloud due to its white beaches.
Today, the island's only inhabitants are
lizards and several varieties of Pacific
seabirds who nest on Ducie.
CREDIT: MERALDA WARREN
Interesting Tidbit: Ducie is uninhabited except for the estimated
500,000 nesting seabirds that reside among the two plant species
(Beach Heliotrope and at least one specimen of Pemphis) that grow
over 70% of the island.
122019 EXPLORERS VOYAGE
ABOUT OUR MARINE RESERVE
One of the Largest Marine Reserves in the World!
Since early 2011 the Pew Environment Group’s Global Ocean
Legacy project worked with the Pitcairn islanders on the idea of
establishing a large scale marine reserve within their waters. In
March 2012 the National Geographic Society and Global Ocean
Legacy conducted an expedition to Pitcairn to assess the health of
the marine environment around all four islands, and also – for the
first time ever – used dropcams, to investigate the deep water
areas. The surveys revealed an incredibly healthy marine
ecosystems, as well as plants and animals new to science.
The global biological value of the marine ecosystems of the
Pitcairn Islands is outstanding, and deserves strict protection and
recognition. A large no-take reserve, while allowing for traditional
small-scale uses, conserves this unique environment, attracts
scientific and conservation interest in studying and protecting the
area, and also increases tourism to the islands, all of which benefit
the local economy.
In 2016, Pitcairn was home to the Largest Marine Reserve in the
World. Almost 3.5 times the size of the United Kingdom at about
830,000 square kilometres (320,465 square miles), The Marine
Reserve serves as a habitat to at least 1,249 species of marine
mammals, seabirds, and fish. 132019 EXPLORERS VOYAGE
ABOUT OUR DARK SKY SANCTUARY
The World's Newest International Dark Sky Sanctuary
The Pitcairn Islands group was named the world’s newest International Dark Sky Sanctuary by
the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) this March. This makes Pitcairn one of only nine
International Dark Sky Sanctuaries on earth. Notably, Pitcairn is the only island group in the
world to be granted this status as well as the first British Overseas Territory to become an
International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
An IDA Dark Sky Sanctuary is public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished
quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural,
or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.
Pitcairn's International Dark Sky Sanctuary, named Mata ki te Rangi which means "Eyes to the
Skies", spans all four islands in the group (Pitcairn, Oeno, Henderson, and Ducie) and covers a
total area of 520,000 square miles.
This International Dark Sky Sanctuary designation means everything in the world of night sky
conservation and Astro-tourism. Thus, Pitcairn is preparing for an increase in Astro-Tourists
with the training of local night sky guides and enactment of new anti-light pollution
guidelines to maintain its crystal-clear night skies. In keeping with the IDA's mission to stop
light pollution around the world, this award has strengthened Pitcairn's commitment to
protecting one of the planet's most remote and pristine multi-island environments for
generations to come.
The Pitcairn Islands have some of the clearest night skies in the world. Furthermore, with a 14
population of only 50 people, and a volcanic landscape that provides a variety of dramatic
viewing points, Pitcairn is ideally placed to be the world's next astro tourism hotspot.2019 EXPLORERS VOYAGE
YOUR EXPERT TOUR LEADER
Andy Schofield has worked in a variety of roles for the Royal Society for
the Protection of Birds (RSPB) since 1991. Initially, he started within the
organization's reserves network as a reserve manager. Schofield worked
at sites such as Leighton Moss, Haweswater, Dorset Heathland Project,
Stour Wood and Stour Estuary, Blacktoft Sands and the reserves on the
island of Islay off the West coast of Scotland.
More recently Andy has been much more involved with international
projects and research especially in China and Myanmar (formerly
known as Burma) in relation to the critically endangered Spoon-Billed
Sandpiper and in Gola Forest, Sierra Leone working on some of the
Andy Schofield critically endangered forest endemics such as the Gola Malimbe.
His most recent role has taken him to work closely with the UK
Senior UK Overseas Territories of Tristan Da Cunha Island Group, St Helena and
Overseas Ascension in the South Atlantic, British Indian Ocean Territory and the
Territories Pitcairn Islands Group in the South Pacific.
Officer
Work in the overseas territories is wide ranging and diverse and covers
For the Royal supporting and developing conservation and fisheries departments
Society of the within territory governments, habitat management, research and
Protection of monitoring.
Birds (RSPB)
Andy is currently aboard the UK’s royal research ship “ RRS Discovery”
sailing from the Falkland Islands to the Tristan Da Cunha Islands and
then on to St Helena. There he will be carrying out Seabird and Marine
Mammal observation work to ground truth many recent satellite
tracking projects. Additionally, he will help inform local territory
governments on the diversity of their marine environments to facilitate
regimes of marine protection in the future under the UK Governments
“Blue Belt” commitments.
In early 2015, Andy spent three months within the Pitcairn Island group
working closely with the Pitcairn Islands Government to create a better
understanding of the phenology of the previously unstudied island
endemic Pitcairn Reed Warbler as well as taking part in the 2015
Henderson Island research expedition.2019 PITCAIRN ISLANDS
HOW TO BOOK
Next Steps
If you are planning on visiting Pitcairn
Island and have any questions about
Booking a Berth, Accommodation
Options and General Enquiries, please
contact Sicklebill Safaris:
Email: info@s2travel.com.au
Phone: +61 413 661 213
P.O Box 387, Kuranda, QLD, Australia,
4881
www.s2travel.com.auPITCAIRN ISLANDS IN THE PRESS
PITCAIRN ISLANDS APPENDIX
2019 PITCAIRN ISLANDS
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read the following booking conditions carefully as they incorporate the basis upon which bookings are accepted by
Sickebill Safaris and Pitcairn Islands Tourism for our 2019 Explorers Tour.
HOW TO BOOK: Simply contact Sicklebill Safaris who will make your reservation for you. Please note that all reservations are
subject to availability at time of booking and the written completion of our booking form which is to be submitted with your
booking request. Any verbal quotation is subject to a written advice which will be given upon confirmation of your booking.
DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENTS: Upon confirmation of your booking a deposit of 10% per person is payable plus any
additional fees levied by your travel agent or advisor. The following schedule of payments applies to all confirmed bookings:
Deposit: Within 7 days of confirmation. Final payment: At least 3 months prior to commencement of tour, being 19 July 2019.
For bookings made within 3 months of commencement of tour, full payment is due immediately upon confirmation. If, for
any reason, payment is not received by us by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel the booking and apply the
appropriate cancellation charges.
AMENDMENTS: lf, after confirmation of your booking, you wish to amend arrangements a fee of NZ$50 will apply per
amendment made.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations must be made in writing will not be deemed to be received until you have written
confirmation from Sicklebill Safaris. The following cancellation fees apply: For bookings cancelled more than 3 months prior
to commencement of tour - a non-refundable cancellation fee of NZ$200 will apply. This fee covers administration and
handling costs we have incurred to hold your confirmed booking. For bookings cancelled within 3 months but more than 2
months prior to commencement of tour - Original 10% deposit will be forfeited and charged as a cancellation fee. For
bookings cancelled within 2 months but more than 1 month of commencement of tour - 50% of tour cost will be forfeited
and charged as a cancellation fee including GST. For bookings cancelled within 1 month of commencement of tour - No
refund. 100% of tour cost will be forfeited and charged as a cancellation.
REFUNDS: No refund ls available after tour has commenced or in respect of any accommodation, tours, meals, transport or
any other service not utilized. With regard to services not being provided, a written application for refunds is required,
supported by documents confirming services were not provided, no later than 1 month after the date of service. In order to
verify a refund claim, all relevant documentation may need to be sent to the relevant service provider, therefore the outcome
of your claim may take up to 3 months. We cannot be held responsible for the Outcome of your claim with the individual
service providers.
OTHER CONDITIONS: Unless otherwise stated, prices include domestic economy class airfares flying Air Tahiti from Papeete
to Mangareva, including prepayable airline surcharges, levies and airport taxes, share twin/double accommodation (although
local taxes may be payable directly), and inclusions as specified. Prices are in NZ dollars and subject to currency fluctuations
and are payment by cash, cheque only. Credit card prices on application. Amendment and cancellation fees do apply and
and names changes are not permitted - please contact us for details. Prices were correct as of 01 May 2019 and are subject to
change without notification and other conditions may apply.2019 PITCAIRN ISLANDS
TERMS & CONDITIONS
VALIDITY: The prices and tours outlined in this brochure are valid only for the dates indicated. Being 19 October 2019 to 07
November 2019.
PRICES: Prices shown in this brochure are in New Zealand dollars and based on per person twin share with minimum 6
passengers booking on the tour and calculated on exchange rates using a bank selling rate as of 01 November 2018 with
minimal margin for exchange rate fluctuation. In addition to the cost of supplier products and services, our prices have been
set to cover the cost of research communication, itinerary preparation, any reservations fees payable to our overseas suppliers,
invoices, documentation, production, distribution, marketing, promotions, bank charges, currency transfers and
remunerations to travel agents and/or advisors. Whilst every effort is made to set the prices at competitive levels, we cannot
always guarantee that a similar product may or may not be available at a lower price elsewhere or be reduced at a later date
due to alterations or exchange rates. Please be aware that receipt of your deposit signifies acceptance of our products and
our prices at that time.
PRICE AND INCLUSION CHANGES: We reserve the right to adjust prices or tour inclusions as may be necessary and without
notice up to and including the date of departure. This may include, but is not limited to, minimum passenger numbers
required, fluctuations of exchange rates, changes in the cost of supplier products and services, fuel levies, airport, ticket or
passenger taxes and accommodation rates.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel and medical insurance is COMPULSORY for this tour and travel to the Pitcairn Islands. Such
policy must include, but not be limited to loss of deposit through cancellation, personal baggage and loss of money; medical
and additional expenses including medical evacuation cover and personal injury. Bookings will only be accepted upon
travellers providing evidence of valid travel and medical insurance cover.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY: Booking this tour is subject to our full terms and conditions which can be viewed on
Pitcairn Islands Tourism website http://www.visitpitcairn.pn. Please note that all reservations are subject to availability at time
of booking and the written completion of our booking form which is to be submitted with your booking request. Any verbal
quotation is subject to a written advice which will be given upon confirmation of your booking. If you are planning on visiting
Pitcairn Island or have any questions, please contact Sicklebill Safaris.
Sicklebill Safaris
Email: info@s2travel.com.au
Phone: +61 413 661 213
P.O Box 387, Kuranda, QLD, Australia, 4881
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